UR Medicine is a proud participant in the Stop Sports Injury Campaign. To help keep kids in the game for life, STOP (Sports Trauma and Overuse Prevention) targets the sports that have the highest rates of overuse and trauma injuries. The development of STOP (Sports Trauma and Overuse Prevention) Sports Injuries was initiated by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM).
Download the Baseball Injury PDF
If a young athlete is throwing too hard, too much, too early, and without rest, a serious elbow or shoulder injury may be on the horizon. If the athlete complains of elbow or shoulder pain the day after throwing, or movement of the joint is painful or restricted compared to the opposite side, see a physician familiar with youth sports injuries immediately.
Overuse injuries — especially those related to the UCL and shoulder — are preventable. Some tips to keep you in the game throughout your life include:
Age | Pitches/Game |
7-8 | 50 |
9-10 | 75 |
11-12 | 85 |
13-16 | 95 |
17-18 | 105 |
Source: Little League Baseball
Ages 14 and under | Ages 15—18 | Required # of Rest Pitches |
66+ | 76+ | 4 calendar days |
51—65 | 61—75 | 3 calendar days |
36—50 | 46—60 | 2 calendar days |
21—35 | 31—45 | 1 calendar day |
1-20 | 1—30 |
None
|
Source: Little League Baseball
Pitch | Age |
Fastball | 8±2 |
Slider | 16±2 |
Change-up | 10±3 |
Forkball | 16±2 |
Curveball | 14±2 |
Knuckleball | 15±3 |
Screwball | 17±2 |
Source: From work by James R. Andrews, MD, and Glenn S. Fleisig, PhD
The most obvious treatment for overuse is rest, especially from the activity that created the injury. Ice is also used to reduce soreness and inflammation. Ibuprofen can be taken to help with any pain. If symptoms persist, it is critical that a physician be contacted, especially if there is a lack of full-joint motion. An examination and radiographs should be done. An MRI scan may also be helpful.
Usually a simple "rest cure" approach will not be enough, because even though it allows symptoms to subside, it also creates loss of muscle bulk, tone, flexibility, and endurance. Once pain is gone and full motion is present, a throwing rehabilitation program can start.
Under some circumstances, surgery may be necessary to correct a problem. Overuse and stress related problems can affect growing parts of bone, not just the soft tissue (muscles, tendons, and ligaments). If the condition is not treated, it could cause deformity of the limb and permanent disability. The athlete should return to play only when clearance is granted by a health care professional.
Prevention and Emergency Management of Youth Baseball and Softball Injuries. American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. 2005.
Little League Baseball. www.littleleague.org/Assets/old_assets/media/pitchcount_faq_08.pdf
American Sports Medicine Institute. www.asmi.org
Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society. www.pbats.com
The following expert consultants contributed to the tip sheet:
Mary Lloyd Ireland, MD
James R. Andrews, MD
Glenn S. Fleisig, PhD
Sports Tips provide general information only and are not a substitute for your own good judgement or consultation with a physician.